Von Gretchen McAlpin 

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Growing up to become famous is a common fantasy among most little girls.  Actually having that fantasy come true is unbelievable.​   After graduating with her BFA from Howard University, Von Gretchen captured the crown of  'Miss Black America'.  Upon signing with the Nina Blanchard Modeling Agency in Los Angeles and the Eileen Ford Modeling Agency in New York City, she became an overnight  runway and print success.

 

Later, world-renown designer Hubert de Givenchy discovered Von Gretchen in the garden restaurant of the Plaza Athene` in Paris, France.  The rest is history.

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Von Gretchen graced the pages of numerous fashion magazines, including Vogue, Bazaar, Glamour, Ebony and Essence; she stormed the runways of world famous designers in New York, Paris, Milan, Rome and Japan including Givenchy, Ungaro, Chanel, YSL, Christian Dior, Valentino, Fendi, Halston, Bob Mackie, Bill Blass, Fernando Sanchez and Calvin Klein to name a few.

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With 1 national title, 2 state titles, and a print and runway career spanning over 25 years, Von Gretchen was a natural choice as a Miss USA® director and was recruited by the Miss Universe Organization in 1991.  As executive director of the Miss and Miss Los Angeles Teen USA® Pageant, she was awarded the California 'USA® Director's Award for Excellence' as Producer of the Year after her very first titlist, Kendra Swanson, placed 1st Runner-Up at Miss California USA®, and her next titlist, Shannon Marketic, went on to win Miss USA® 1992.​

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After consistently producing titlists, finalists, and semi-finalists for the Miss USA® System, Miss Earth, Miss America, and Miss Intercontinental, she now resides in Los Angeles, and is the CEO of her own pageantry and modeling mentoring niche, Pageant Savvy Coaching.

 

Von Gretchen has Successfully walked in your shoes, and Not just watched from the audience. She can show you that there is No Secret to Success -

IT  IS  A  SYSTEM, & ONE THAT SHE  KNOWS WELL!

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If you learn anything from Von Gretchen about Success, it is that your 

 

I will COACH YOU, so you will discover your strengths and learn

I will CHALLENGE YOU so that you can face your fears and grow

When you BELIEVE IN YOU as I believe in you, You Will WIN!

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